Embedded Files
The Darlington County School District is committed to educating, empowering, and preparing all for an ever-changing world. This mission includes assisting our students in exploring multiple paths to success and introducing them to career development as early as possible.
The Darlington County School District is committed to educating, empowering, and preparing all for an ever-changing world. This mission includes assisting our students in exploring multiple paths to success and introducing them to career development as early as possible.
Internships
Internships
The Darlington County School District is providing life-changing opportunities for its students through partnerships with the business community. 473 students have earned over $550, 032 in 4 years! Become a Key to Career partner and make a difference.
The Darlington County School District is providing life-changing opportunities for its students through partnerships with the business community. 473 students have earned over $550, 032 in 4 years! Become a Key to Career partner and make a difference.
ASCEND
ASCEND
Advanced Student Career Exploration & Needs Development
Advanced Student Career Exploration & Needs Development
The ASCEND Program for 8th grade students piloted in the Spring of 2023 and will now serve all 8th graders in our District. Each student will participate in four industry tours on-site with a partner organization like Genesis Healthcare, Nucor Steel, Sonoco Products Company, and more. Students get the opportunity to see first hand what organizations make up Darlington County and the many future career opportunities they will have. Visits include active learning activities and lunch!
Career Time Tuesday
Career Time Tuesday
Darlington County School District recently began a new career exploration program with our 5th grade students called Career Time Tuesday. Speakers in various fields visit one of our elementary schools and discuss career opportunities in their field, what is required to have that career, and their recommendations for students who want those careers. The program gives students a jump start on future career possibilities.
RISE
RISE
Real-World Integration for Student Employment
RISE launched in the Fall of 2025 with the goal of assisting students with intellectual and developmental disabilities gain career experience hours and pursue their path of future possibilities!
Partner with us!
Partner with us!
Some of the many ways you can choose to partner:
Offer a paid internship
Become a host site for the ASCEND program for 8th graders
Host a tour at your organization
Speak to a class or group of educators
Participate in career fairs
Mentor students
Serve on a DCIT Advisory Board
Volunteer at one of our schools
Dr. Shannon Flowers
Dr. Shannon Flowers
Work-Based Learning Coordinator
Darlington County School District
(843) 398-6214 | shannon.flowers@darlington.k12.sc.us
Office Location: Darlington County Institute of Technology
160 Pinedale Dr, Darlington, SC 29532
CONTACT OUR OFFICE
CONTACT OUR OFFICE
Shannon Flowers, Ph.D., is the Work-Based Learning Coordinator for Darlington County School District. In this role, she serves as a liaison between the business community and the school district, opening doors for work-based learning opportunities for students. She coordinates the District’s Key to Career Program, RISE program, and ASCEND program, and also oversees our 8th grade ASCEND program and the Career Time Tuesday program for 5th graders. All of these programs seek to strengthen businesses, the local workforce, and communities, through internships, career awareness activities, and relationship-building. Shannon works closely with community leaders and helps facilitate the relationship between Darlington County Schools and the Darlington County Economic Development Progress Board. Shannon is also the point of contact for any organization seeking an audience with our students or administrators in regard to career development and/or mentorship.
Are you an organization interested in visiting or presenting in our schools? Click HERE!
Nicki Spears
Nicki Spears
Work-Based Learning Facilitator
Darlington County School District
(843) 326-7546 | nicki.spears@darlington.k12.sc.us
Office Location: Darlington County Institute of Technology
160 Pinedale Dr, Darlington, SC 29532
Nicki Spears, M. Ed, MS, has worked for Darlington County School District for several years as a career specialist and as the school counselor for the Darlington County Virtual Academy, Digital 360. In the fall of 2024 she began assisting in the Office of Career Readiness and now works full-time in her work-based learning role. She is the lead contact for Career Time Tuesday, and is transitioning to be the lead of ASCEND. Mrs. Spears has brought a myriad of knowledge and new partnerships with her to enhance the career engagement and development of our students.
Are you an organization interested in visiting or presenting in our schools? Click HERE!
Interested in learning about more employment opportunities in Darlington County? Visit Darlington County Progress!
Interested in learning about more employment opportunities in Darlington County? Visit Darlington County Progress!
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